News

The East Central Illinois Development Corporation Annual Dinner and BESI Awards presentation was held at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois on May 18, 2006. 

The 2006 BESI winners were Jim McDaniel of Effingham, Don Portugal of Mattoon, and Old School Market & Essenhaus in Sullivan.

Jim McDaniel purchased Pure Truck Stop and turned it into what Effingham Sales is today, one of the largest body and trailer shops in the state with over 170 employees. His concern for his employees, some of whome are friends and colleagues, extends beyond what is expectedfrom an employer. He has helped his employees with medical and other expenses over the years, above what is normally expected of an employer, has contribued monetary donations as well as his time and expertise to the local YMCA and his church.

Jim's compassion for others reaches much farther than Effingham's borders. He has continually provided support for a Christian college in Michigan for many years and has supported a church-sponsored hospital and shcool orphanage in the Philippines. Jim is an unassuming man of conscience, a philanthropist, and he aptly represents what the BESI awards stand for.

Don Portugal served six years as a very active member of Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors. He has been directly involved in soliciting and securing more that 50 gifts to the Foundation, which in turn, gives thousands of dollars in scholarships to students each year. His company S & K Air Power and Tool, annaully awards a scholarship to two area students attending Lake Land College. He has taken this commitment to higher education to a persoal level by donating professional sporting even tickets as raffle prizes. He has personally contribued cash, volunteered his time, and even donated a passenger bus to the Foundation that is used to transport athletes and students.

Don is past president of the Mattoon YMCA and is currently on the Board of Directors of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. For more than 10 years, he has served on the Board of Directors of Mattoon Babe Ruth Baseball League. During that time, he coached many teams and was a vital member of all four Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken World Series events held in Mattoon since 1999. His integrity and ethical standards were a driving force behind the success of those events.

Old School Market & Essenhaus was an outdated elementary school in Sullivan that could no longer meet state code requirements. The old school held many fond memories for the locals and was a big part of the community. The Yoder family renovated it into the Amish buffet and mall it is today.

Wayne Yoder, owner and manager, is always looking for innovative ways to increase business and add value to his customers' experience. The family is also well respected for standing by their beliefs and remaining closed on Sundays even though there is great pressure to open on that day.

The Yoder family and their employees demonstrate how hard work and dedication can build a successful business in small town America and continually give to the community. They willingly participate in a variety of events such as the SCED Annual Chili Cook-off and Business Expo. They are always wiling to help in other ways, such as lending tents, sitting on committees, and offering space for our local Farmers Market. The Yoder family and the Old School is a great asset to East Central Illinois.

These people have enhanced their respective communities through their willingness to develop and plan for the future. They have achieved the distinction of being a true mentor to their communities and in recognition of their many virtues have been chosen to receive the 2006 BESI Award.

Noreen Connolly, OCE Imaging Supply

Consolidated Communications

Max Cougill

First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust

The First National Bank in Toledo

Sara Holmes

William Hopper, First Trust Bank

Imperial Bondware

Edward H. (Ned) Jenison

Frank Kabbes

Carl Koerner, Koerner Distributor, Inc.

Lenders Bagels and Employees

Melvin C. Lockard

Joyce A. Madigan

Marathon Pipe Line Company

Newlin Martin, Martin's IGA

Dr. George Mitchell

The Monahan Family, The Monahan Company/First National Bank in Arcola

Jerry Moon

Mooney Motors

Delbert D. Mundt

Petro/Iron Skillet Restaurant

Jerry J. Ray, Schrock Cabinet Co.

R.R. Donnelley and Sons

Roger Roberson, Roberson Corporation

Rowe Foundry and Machine Co. and Employees

John M. (Jack) Schultz

The BESI Award is presented at the annual ECIDC meeting held each Spring.  Area business, industrial and governmental leaders are encouraged to submit nominations.